Chapter 166
Annie's POV
"There's no need to push yourselves," a familiar voice came from the doorway, drawing our attention.
I turned to see Susan standing there, holding several food containers and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I blinked in surprise, not expecting to see Howard's secretary here.
"Susan? What brings you here?" I asked curiously, standing up from the signing table.
Susan smiled as she walked into the room. "Mr. Thompson was concerned you might not have time for a proper lunch, so he asked me to bring you all something." She set the containers on a nearby table, carefully opening each one. "These are from that restaurant near the office that you both frequent."
As the containers opened, the aroma of Italian roasted chicken and grilled vegetables immediately filled the room. I instantly recognized the signature dishes from the small restaurant that Howard and I loved.
My colleagues from the publishing house and the staff helping organize my comics brightened visibly, exchanging surprised glances.
"This is for me?" I asked somewhat shyly, my fingers lightly touching the edge of one container.
"It's for all of you," Susan clarified with a smile,gesturing to include my hardworking colleagues. "Mr. Thompson specifically mentioned that everyone should enjoy a hearty lunch,considering Annie's book signing is such a major undertaking."
Susan then approached me with the bouquet-a stunning arrangement of pink and white tulips whose fresh fragrance permeated the room, slightly masking the printing factory's ink smell.
"These are especially from Mr. Thompson to you." She handed me a small card along with the flowers.
I took the card, gently opening it to read the message: "Enjoy your lunch,and don't forget about me." The simple words sent a wave of warmth through my chest. Even when we were apart for half a day,Howard was thinking of me.
Then,my colleagues and I gathered around to enjoy the delicious lunch Howard had sent. The food was far more substantial than the sandwiches we had planned, and everyone ate with evident delight and satisfaction.
"Your boyfriend is so thoughtful," one female colleague responsible for binding my comics remarked after taking a bite of the Italian roasted chicken. "Even remembering us ordinary staff members."
Another colleague nodded in agreement: "My boyfriend can't even remember my birthday, let alone send lunch on a workday."
"Howard is indeed very considerate," I smiled in response, feeling a surge of gratitude.
Just as we finished lunch, the main door of the printing factory suddenly swung open. A small group of people peered in, their eyes lighting up when they spotted me.
"It's her! It's really Annie Baker!" an excited young woman in her early twenties exclaimed, clutching my comic book "Resilience in New Life" tightly. Behind her followed three or four equally young friends.all holding copies of my comics.
The publishing staff immediately grew tense: "I'm sorry, this is a work area.not open to the public..."
"It's alright." I stood up. smiling at the fans. "Did they come specifically to find me?"
The young woman nodded, her cheeks flushed with excitement: "We saw on social media that you were signing books here today,and we...we just wanted to meet you. Your comic really changed my life!"
I was stunned, unable to believe my comics could have such a profound impact on strangers. "Really?"
"Absolutely!" the girl responded enthusiastically, carefully opening her comic book. "The story of your female protagonist rebuilding herself after betrayal is so moving. I went through a terrible breakup last year, and your comic gave me the courage to move forward."
Another young man added: "And your art style is so unique-that delicate yet humorous way you depict complex emotions is simply genius!"
I felt a warm current flow through my body-this feeling of being understood and appreciated by readers was more precious than any acclaim. "Thank you all, truly. If you'd like me to sign your books..."
They nodded excitedly, carefully handing over their comics. I signed each one and took photos with them. One of the girls even brought a small comic she had created trying to imitate my style,which deeply touched me.
After the fans reluctantly departed, I returned to my small signing stati on to continue working. Perhaps inspired by the fans' enthusiastic encouragement, my movements became more fluid.
My signature traced elegant arcs across the comic book title pages,both quick and beautiful.
Watching the name "Annie Baker" become increasingly natural in my handwriting. I couldn't help feeling a touch of pride.
At four-thirty in the afternoon, when I signed the last comic, my hand was so tired I could barely lift it. I exhaled deeply, set down the pen,and looked around-we had completed signing eight full boxes of comics.The two colleagues from the publishing house looked as exhausted as I felt,practically collapsing into their chairs, completely drained.
"I need to go pick up my child now," I stood up, stretching my stiff shoulders. "Are there more comics to sign tomorrow? If so, I can come in the morning. Lucy's kindergarten has a performance in the afternoon that I need to attend."
"No need," the senior editor replied, tired but satisfied. "Today's batch is enough to cover the first round of distribution."
"If we need you to sign more for reprints, we'll notify you in advance,"another added, eyes full of admiration.
"Thank you so much for today, Annie. You know, your comic series saved our entire publishing house-with the economic downturn, we were on the verge of bankruptey. 'Resilience in New Life' was literally our lifeline."
I felt a mixture of humility and pride. From being betrayed by Philip,going through a painful divorce, to now having my own successful comic series, a man who loves me, and an adorable stepdaughter. My comic not only told the story of a woman recovering from betrayal and finding a new
life but also touched the hearts of others.
"I also want to thank you for believing in my comic creation," I said sincerely. "Being able to help others through my work is an honor I never imagined."
I gathered my bag and the flowers Howard had sent, then stood up. "After Lucy's school performance tomorrow. I'll text you. Perhaps we can discuss ideas for a new comic series."
The driver was already waiting outside and immediately opened the car door for me. After sitting in the car, I dialed Howard's number.
"Hi," his voice came through the car's Bluetooth system, warm and familiar."Is the comic signing finished?"
"Just completed." I answered, feeling tired but satisfied. "Thank you for the lunch and flowers, that was so thoughtful. And guess what? Some fans came to see me today!"
"Really? That's wonderful," Howard's voice was filled with pride and joy."I always said your comics would become popular, and now fans are even coming to find you."
Hearing his pride in me sent a wave of warmth through my chest.
"Yes, one girl said my comic helped her and her mother," I recalled, still moved by it. "Being able to help others through my work feels really special."
"You deserve all of this, Annie," Howard said sincerely. "You and Lucy are the most important people in my life, and taking care of you is both my responsibility and honor. Seeing your talent recognized makes me happier than anyone." This kind of warm support and recognition was something I had never experienced in my marriage with Philip. "Should I come to your office to meet you first? Then we can go pick up Lucy together?"
Howard chuckled softly. "No need. Annie. Going back and forth would be too tiring for you. I'm already on my way to the kindergarten,and we can meet directly there."
"Are you sure? I don't want to make you change your plans for me," I asked somewhat hesitantly, not wanting to disrupt his work schedule.
"Of course I'm sure." his voice was firm yet gentle. "You've already worked all day. and I don't want you to be more tired. I'm also eager to see you soon."
His thoughtfulness made my lips curl upward involuntarily. "Alright, I'll see you at the kindergarten then."
"See you soon," he replied, his voice full of anticipation.
After hanging up. I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes to rest for a moment. The changes that had occurred over the past year still seemed incredible to me. From being betrayed by Philip, going through a painful divorce,to now having my own successful comic series, a man who loves me,and an adorable stepdaughter.
Things are a bit surreal, actually.
The driver stopped the car at the entrance of the Upper East Side Private Preschool. I stepped out of the car and stood at the kindergarten entrance,waiting for Lucy. I looked around, anticipating the sight of Howard.
"Annie," a voice called from behind me. Is it Howard?